Another characteristic is the exploration of the human psyche. In the works of those considered as 'the father of dark stories', like Poe, there is often a deep look into the human mind. Poe's characters are often tortured, dealing with guilt, madness, or other complex emotions. This psychological aspect adds depth to the dark stories and makes them more than just tales of horror.
One characteristic is the exploration of the darker aspects of human nature. For example, in Edgar Allan Poe's works, he often delves into madness, obsession, and the consequences of immoral actions. Another is the use of a gloomy and often claustrophobic atmosphere. In Stephen King's 'The Shining', the isolated hotel setting creates a sense of dread. Also, many of these works play with the unknown and the supernatural. H.P. Lovecraft's stories are full of otherworldly and indescribable horrors that are beyond human comprehension. These elements combined make the works of writers of dark stories both terrifying and thought - provoking.
If we consider M. R. James as the 'father of the modern ghost story', his works are often set in old, dusty academic or ecclesiastical environments. There is a slow - burning sense of horror, not relying on sudden shocks but rather a growing unease. For example, in his stories, an ancient manuscript might hold the key to a terrifying supernatural encounter.
Dark Romanticism stories often feature elements of the grotesque, the supernatural, and psychological turmoil. They tend to explore the darker aspects of human nature, such as sin, guilt, and madness. These stories may also have a sense of mystery and the unknown, with settings that are often gloomy or foreboding, like old mansions or desolate landscapes.
One characteristic is that they are deeply rooted in German folklore and cultural traditions. They may include references to local superstitions and beliefs. Dark German stories usually have a sense of foreboding and mystery. The settings are often gloomy, like deep forests or old castles. Moreover, the characters in these stories can be very morally ambiguous, not clearly good or bad, which adds to the complexity and darkness of the stories. They are also known for their vivid and sometimes disturbing descriptions that can really draw the reader in and make them feel the unease and danger.
Dark kids stories often have a sense of melancholy or sadness. For example, in 'The Little Match Girl', the main character endures great hardship and meets a tragic end. This creates a somber mood.
They usually deal with themes that are disturbing or uncomfortable like death, insanity, and the dark side of human nature. Take 'American Psycho' for example. It delves deep into the mind of a serial killer and his warped view of the world. Also, dark twisted stories may have a sense of foreboding atmosphere. In 'The Shining', the isolated hotel setting and the strange events that keep happening create a really eerie and foreboding mood.
Funny dark stories often have an element of surprise. For example, you might expect something truly terrifying but then it turns out to be something silly or unexpected like in the story of the haunted house that turned out to have raccoons having a party. They also usually involve a bit of mystery at first, which makes the reader or listener intrigued.
One characteristic is the unexpectedness. They often have a twist that catches you off - guard, like in the story where the doctor says 'I'll deal with you later' to the man who thinks he's a deck of cards. Another is that they can be a bit macabre. For example, the skeleton asking for a beer and a mop. It's not your typical humorous situation but it makes you laugh because it's so absurd and a little bit creepy at the same time. Also, they sometimes play with taboos or uncomfortable topics in a way that still manages to be funny, without being too offensive.
One characteristic is a gloomy and often post - apocalyptic setting. For example, in "Metro" series, the world is a desolate underground filled with mutants. Another is the presence of complex and often morally ambiguous characters. In "BioShock", you encounter characters with their own dark motives and secrets. Also, the use of disturbing imagery is common, like in "Amnesia: The Dark Descent" where you face all kinds of terrifying and grotesque monsters in a dark castle." "Answer2": "Games with dark stories usually have a sense of hopelessness. Take "This War of Mine". It shows the harsh reality of war from the perspective of civilians, and there's little hope for a better future. They also tend to explore deep and often uncomfortable themes such as human nature at its worst, like in "Outlast" where you face deranged and cruel inmates in an asylum. Moreover, the color palette in these games is often dark, with lots of blacks, grays, and muted tones to set the mood.
Dark and meaningful stories usually involve some form of struggle. It could be an internal struggle within a character, like the man in 'The Tell - Tale Heart' struggling with his sanity. They also tend to be set in a world that is not perfect, often filled with problems. And they can make the reader think deeply about human nature, whether it's our capacity for evil or our ability to rise above it.